Free acupuncture available on Saturday

“Feeling taxed” as April 15 approaches? North Seattle Community Acupuncture is hoping to give you a little R&R before tax day through a free appointment Saturday at the clinic, located at 10212 Fifth Ave. N.E., Suite 120.

Owner Steve Knobler says he offers free appointments about once a month in an effort to introduce more people not only to acupuncture, but also to the low-cost community model that he practices.

Although patients meet privately with Knobler to discuss their medical issues before getting treatment, the actual acupuncture takes place in a room with other patients.

“Instead of laying like a piece of meat on a flat table, you actually lay back on a lounge chair and listen to some music, and you just chill out,” Knobler said.

Patients stay fully clothed, and can lounge for as long as they like.

Another part of the model that Knobler touts is that insurance isn’t involved, limiting the amount of paperwork as well as the potential cost, which typically is $65 to $125 for a single visit through the traditional model.

Knobler, who has 11 years’ experience with acupuncture, has been at the Northgate location for just under a year, but he’s already planning to expand to a bigger location in Roosevelt in mid-May.

And he’s doing more than just expanding his practice. He’s also compiling a database of other low-cost medical clinics in the Seattle area, from dentists to general practitioners and more, that he hopes will help keep the community healthy.

If you like the idea of free even better than low-cost, Knobler is offering one more free day at his Northgate location on May 1 if you can’t make it in this weekend. To make an appointment or for more information on acupuncture, call North Seattle Community Acupuncture at 524-6428.